Sarasota and Manatee Counties Brace for Hurricane Milton’s Impact

Sarasota and Manatee counties are currently under threat as Hurricane Milton approaches the Florida coastline. Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi announced an extension of the evacuation order following updates from the National Hurricane Center forecast early Tuesday morning. “With the amount of storm surge that is predicted for our area, it’s critical that you leave if you are in any of those areas,” Tapfumaneyi stated, emphasizing the need for urgent action.

The evacuation order now encompasses most of southern Sarasota County, particularly areas south of Laurel Road and southwest of I-75. David Rathburn, Chief of the Sarasota County Fire Department, highlighted the critical importance of obeying the evacuation directives, noting that emergency services would face considerable challenges reaching flooded areas during the storm. “Please do not compare this to a previous storm. Sarasota County has not had a direct hit from a major hurricane in the history of this place,” Rathburn warned.

Preparations are underway across the state, with Governor Ron DeSantis assuring residents that there is no fuel shortage despite heightened demand at gas stations. “Be prepared that you’re not going to be able to go 75 miles an hour to get out of Dodge on the interstates right now,” DeSantis stated during a briefing at the state Emergency Operations Center, advising of anticipated congestions.

In response to the approaching storm, the U.S. Coast Guard has taken measures at several key Florida ports to maintain fuel operations on land while ceasing vessel movements due to the expected gale-force winds within 24 hours. Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue confirmed that fuel is being consistently delivered to gas stations, sometimes with state patrol escorts, despite increased demand.

Manatee County Utilities announced the pre-emptive shut-off of water and sanitary sewer services to barrier island communities, including Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach, in anticipation of heavy storm surge. This action, coordinated with island municipalities, aims to preserve system integrity and protect infrastructure from damage.

The Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) is providing shuttle services from designated pick-ups to local shelters until 8 p.m., urging residents to reach safe locations by nightfall. Several evacuation shelters, including Virgil Mills and Jessie P. Miller Elementary Schools, among others, are now open to accommodate evacuees.

Hurricane Milton, currently a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 145 mph, is projected to make landfall near Tampa Bay late Wednesday. Sarasota and Manatee counties are expected to experience significant rainfall, possibly up to 18 inches in localized areas, alongside life-threatening storm surges.

Sarasota County has extended evacuations to include Level C zones and advises residents living in mobile homes or RVs to evacuate promptly. Authorities stress that evacuation centers should only be used as a last resort, with residents encouraged to seek refuge with friends or family if possible.